Computer tomography scans (CT scans) are widely used in the detection of diseases. One disadvantage is that patients are exposed to radiation during these scans. This can possibly cause radiation-related tumours. PhD researcher José Meulepas has studied whether CT radiation increases the risk of leukaemia and brain tumours in children and young adults. Her research results indicate a slightly increased risk of brain tumours due to exposure to CT radiation. An increased risk for leukaemia was not found. José Meulepas defended her PhD thesis on March 7th at VU University Medical Centre.
Title: Radiation exposure from Computed Tomography scans and cancer risk
Promotor: prof.dr.ir. Floor van Leeuwen (Netherlands Cancer Institute)
Co-promotors: dr. Michael Hauptmann (Netherlands Cancer Institute), dr. C.M. Ronckers
Abstract: http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/handle/1871/55570/abstract%20english.pdf?sequence=4&isAllowed=y
Read the news article on the website of VU University Medical Centre (in Dutch)
https://www.vumc.nl/onderzoek/promoties/maart2018/promotie-meulepas/